RV Insurance

Archive for November, 2009

In case of an emergency involving your RV, you want to make sure that you’re adequately covered.  When buying insurance for your RV, it’s important to look at several factors that might affect how much coverage you will need.  RV insurance can offer you great financial protection if you pay attention to some key factors.

Two of the most important factors in determining which coverage to buy are where you live and what RV you’re driving.  States have their own insurance requirements that may sometimes differ from other states.  You should check with the Department of Motor Vehicles where you live or ask your insurance agent about what is required.  Also, you should consider the type of RV that you will be driving. Larger RVs generally need more coverage because they can cause greater damage in case of an accident.  The level of custom work done to your vehicle and the way in which you’ll be primarily using your RV are also factors you should consider.

Think about how often you plan to use your RV and that most likely will help determine how much coverage you need.  Insurance companies often have coverage for your RV when it’s not in use for a significant period of time.  Your provider may also let you suspend certain aspects of your coverage that are only meant to protect you when you’re driving, such as collision coverage.  It’s still important to make sure your RV is covered when it’s being stored in case of theft, fire or weather damage.

Ownership of your RV may also affect the level of coverage you should have.  If you’re leasing or financing your vehicle, you may be required by your insurance provider to carry a certain amount of coverage.  Once you own your RV, however, you should be able to change your coverage to a policy that has the best long-term value for you.

When shopping for RV insurance, take into account the many factors that may affect how much money you should pay to protect your vehicle.  The area where you live, the type of RV you drive and the way that you use it are all factors to consider.  You want to find the best value, but you also want to make sure you’re completely protected in case anything should happen to you and your RV.

Although you hope that nothing bad will happen when you’re out in your RV, you know that it’s important to make sure your RV insurance covers you for any unforeseen situations.  The safety of you and your family and friends who may use your RV is the most important thing to consider.  There are a number of easily avoidable incidents, however, that may happen to you if you’re not careful.  Here are a few ways to avoid claims that insurance companies report are common among RV drivers.

Maintain your electrical equipment properly.  It’s not uncommon for the refrigerators and kitchen appliances in an RV to spark fires when they are used improperly or not checked.  When your vehicle is maintained regularly, you lower the risk of a fire starting from your electrical wiring or gas lines.  You can do your own maintenance inspections, but make sure you also regularly take your RV to an authorized facility for repairs that are needed.

Be sure that you know the size of your RV.  Often drivers hit bridges and low overhangs in their vehicles, so make sure you know where your RV can drive and park safely.  If you have any attachments that may add height to your vehicle, make sure you take those into account and adjust your original measurements.  Generally, you should leave at least 6 inches of space between the top of your vehicle and the lowest point of the object you will pass under.  Your owner’s manual may have its own suggestions, so read it carefully.

Know the limits of your tires.  Tire blowouts are common when driving.  It’s important to buy tires that are meant specifically to carry the heavy load of RVs.  Not only should you make sure your tires are suitable for your type of RV, you should also make sure your tires are not inflated too much or not enough and that they are not too worn or otherwise damaged.  An authorized repair facility may be able to weigh your vehicle to make sure there’s not too much of a load on any particular tire.

These are 3 simple reminders to keep you safe and keep your RV in good condition.  Know the specifications of your RV and its equipment, and be able to maintain it properly.  You’ll need your RV insurance to cover you in case anything should happen, but by keeping these tips in mind you increase your chances of avoiding these incidents.